HELPING OUT IN THE NORTHWEST SUBURBS

Harry's cuddle spell may do trick for pets

Joanne Anderson hopes the magic of Harry Potter can help some cats and dogs find new homes and bring in donations for Helping Paws Animal Shelter in Woodstock.

The non-profit, no-kill shelter, 2500 Harding Lane, has more than 100 kittens and Anderson is hosting a Potter-themed adoption party with a costume contest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday to find homes for animals that have been vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered.

Anderson, president of the shelter, said donations are down. She expects more kittens to be brought in as kitten births peak between May and September. This year, however, the numbers seem unusually high, she said.

"People are finding them everywhere," Anderson said. "A mother and two kittens were found in a box in the parking lot of a shopping center. Can you imagine being in a box in the sun? The temperature had to be over 100."

On Saturday, adoption fees will be reduced from $130 to $100 for kittens, from $100 to $80 for adult cats and $250 to $200 for puppies under a year. Dogs more than 1 year old can be adopted for $175, reduced from $200. About 40 adult cats, and 25 puppies and dogs need homes too, Anderson said.

Helping Paws was founded in 1974 as a foster program and for a time operated out of a one-room shelter in Ridgefield. It housed animals in cramped quarters in Crystal Lake for about eight years before moving in December to its 2.5-acre facility in Woodstock, which has playrooms for cats and a fenced yard for dogs.

The land was donated and the building paid for with a $825,000 donation and money from the sale of the Crystal Lake building, Anderson said. Helping Paws now accommodates three times as many animals and the added space has increased the need for volunteers and donations, she said.

"I live in fear of not making it," Anderson said. "What would happen to all these animals?"

Call 815-338-4400 or visit www.helpingpaws.net.

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DRIVES

*Niles resident Benny Costes is collecting donations of clothing, scouting and camping equipment and package shipping money to send items to residents of Dagupan City, Philippines, where he was born. Costes, an Eagle Scout, spent several months earlier this year volunteering in the Philippines through the Knights of Columbus. Donations may be sent to: Benny Costes, 8232 N. Octavia Ave., Niles, IL 60714-2625. For information, call Costes at 847-966-2052.

*Interact, a community service club at Cary-Grove High School, will collect school supplies for a Chicago elementary school through Aug. 30. Pens, pencils, crayons, glue, paper and folders can be brought to the school's office, 2208 W. Three Oaks Rd., from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 7 to 12:30 p.m. Fridays.

*In cooperation with the Cook County Sheriff's office, Liberty Bank for Savings will accept donations of used cell phones and their components in all five of its branches. Phones must be in working order. Collected phones will be set up for 911 service only and will be distributed to seniors age 65 and older living in Cook County on Oct. 23. To sign up to receive a phone, call 773-489-4679. To donate phones, call Susan Andrews at 773-489-4458.

FUNDRAISERS

*Simon's Ice Cream Social for furry friends and their owners will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday in Barrington Dog Bakery & Boutique, 110 Barrington Commons Ct. There will be music, and treats for dogs and people will be on sale. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local pet rescue groups, including As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue and Northern Illinois Samoyed Assistance. Call 847-381-3420 or visit www.BarringtonDogBakery.com.

*Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County will hold its 5th annual Swing for Kids' Sake golfing benefit from noon to 7p.m. Aug. 8 in Crystal Woods Golf Club, 5915 S. Illinois Highway 47, Woodstock. Lunch and 18 holes of golf will be included. The hole-in-one prize will be a 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The fee is $150. Call 815-385-3855.

*Arlington Park will hold three fundraisers before the Arlington Million race Aug. 11. Show Me the Silver, to benefit A Silver Lining Foundation for kids with cancer, will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $56. Call 847-385-7410. The 7th annual International Festival of Racing Charity Softball Game between the Police Department and the park's jockeys, racing officials and employees will be held Monday at the park's Cigar Avenue field off Rohlwing Road. Opening ceremonies will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the first pitch at 6 p.m. Hot dogs will cost $1 and beer $2. All proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The annual Women in Racing luncheon and fashion show will begin at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 9. Gretchen Jackson, owner of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, will receive the Penny Chenery Distinguished Woman in Racing award. Tickets cost $125. All proceeds will benefit The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation. For tickets, call 847-385-7410. For information, visit www.arlingtonpark.com.